YOU WILL SMILE AGAIN!

When things are going well for us, we are all laughter and songs. But alas, life isn't always like that. Sometimes, we pass through gloomy seasons when our faces seem boarded up and forbidding. It may be a time of bereavement or other kind of loss, it could be sickness, aggravating relationships or financial trouble.

Whatever it is, I want you to know that the Lord Jesus is there with you and will pull you through one way or another. Those difficult times afford us great opportunities to draw closer to God, through Jesus, and grow our faith. He knows what it is like to suffer pain or have darkness descend on you. Remember His experience in the Garden of Gethsemane till He was crucified on Calvary (Matthew 26:36-56; 27:1 & 2, 11-50). He sure wasn't smiling then.

But one thing about trials and difficulties is that they are only for a season. So Jesus went from Gethsemane to trial before the Sanhedrin and Pilate to the cross at Calvary. He went through indescribable agony but then He was laid in the tomb and before His disciples knew it, He had risen on resurrection morning!  (Matthew 27:57-60; 28:1-10) The tears, the travailing were all gone. He had risen with an immortal body and before long, He ascended in glory to take His proper place at the right hand of God the Father (Mark 16:19).

In your own case too, as the Bible assures, "weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning" (Psalms 30:5). It may not be clear how long the night will be or how relief will come but it surely will. So, hold on to God and know that however bitter this moment is, sweetness will overtake it. However dark the night is, the day is coming. However bad your situation is now, joy is on the way and you will smile again.

But you can do something proactive. Even before the situation changes, you can in faith begin to see it as what you have prayed it to be in accordance with the word of God. You can envision yourself as the victor because you are in Christ Jesus who is Master over all things. 

"9. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." -  Philippians 2:9-11

Whether through life or death, your situation is win-win in Christ Jesus. This is the heritage of everyone who has accepted Christ Jesus as their Lord and Saviour and Apostle Paul expressed it so well when he declared:

"20. ... Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 21. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." - Philippians 1:20-21

Bearing that in mind, you can begin to lighten up your face. Crack a smile now and then. It will get easier with practice and you might even hear laughter bubbling up from within you in time.

Yes, my brother, my sister, you will smile again. And you don't have to wait till your prayers are answered. Begin now if you can but whatever the case, the clouds will lift and your joy will return. YES, YOU WILL SMILE AGAIN!

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The scriptures used in this post are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.
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If you have not accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, do pray this short prayer:

PRAYER FOR SALVATION
Almighty God, I repent of my sins and ask you to forgive me. I receive the work Jesus did for me by shedding His blood for my sins. Write my name in the Lamb's Book of Life and send your Spirit to live in my heart and teach me your word. I receive the grace to live a life that honours you henceforth in Jesus' name. Amen.

Now, you are born again. Join a Bible-believing group of believers to help you learn, through studying the word of God and prayer, how to live and practise your faith. You are blessed in Jesus' name.

You may also love these popular related posts:

http://auntyedith.blogspot.com.ng/2017/12/trouble-does-not-last-forever-but-god.html?m=0

http://edithohaja.com/i-will-be-happy-and-so-should-you/

http://edithohaja.com/3-benefits-of-walking-in-joy/

http://edithohaja.com/strengthened-through-loss/

http://edithohaja.com/the-best-new-year-resolution/

GOD IS A SHELTER FROM THE STORM

Have you ever been caught out in a storm? You know how scary that can be. The winds are howling and as if that is not disturbing enough, they are lifting and flinging heavy stuff about. The rain is pouring down and if it doesn't relent, some flooding could result. The clouds are dark resulting in low visibility, you really can't find your way home with the occasional lightning. It's dangerous to be walking or driving in such weather. The smart thing to do is find some shelter to ride out the storm. 

Eventually, the winds will die down, the rain will dry up and if it's daytime, the sun might even smile again. But in the meantime, you will be safer, more secure in a shelter.

As it is with physical storms, so it is with any other kind. A storm does not last forever but it can be merciless while it lasts. It can do untold damage, it can destroy what we treasure so much and cause losses that take years to restore, if ever. While some of this cannot be avoided, especially when it's a freak storm, we can minimise our losses when we seek shelter. 

God is that shelter you need when the storms of life assail. When everything around is scary, when circumstances and the odds are stacked against you, He is the Rock you can run to and be safe. David knew this so well because his life was in peril for much of his young adulthood. He had been anointed king but the guy in office, Saul, was bent on killing him to ensure his own son, Jonathan, succeeded him. And David hid in God, spiritually, that is. All Saul's efforts to kill him came to nothing and eventually, David became the king of Israel as God had decreed.

Here are some of David's proclamations during this harrowing time recorded in the Psalms:

"Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by." - Psalm 57:1 (ESV)

David acknowledged in the verse above that the storms were passing by. No need to get swept away by them. 

"From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings." - Psalm 61:2-4 (NKJV) 

In this one, he admits that his heart can get "overwhelmed". When there are relentless assaults, we may need to find a hiding place, a shelter, a strong tower. And that is God. 

"My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us." - Psalm 62:5-8 

In the passage above, David not only testifies that God has been his defence, he counsels himself and others to put their confidence in Him.

Other scriptures to remind you of the protection we His children have in the Lord:

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof." -  Psalm 46:1-4 

"O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall." - Isaiah 25:1-4 

Remember, the storm will only last a while but it can be deadly while it rages. Don't be reckless. Take shelter in the Lord and He will keep you safe. 

Amen in Jesus' name.

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The scriptures used in this post are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible except where otherwise stated.

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http://auntyedith.blogspot.com.ng/2017/11/you-are-safe-in-lord-do-not-live-in-fear.html?m=0

http://edithohaja.com/i-will-never-leave-you/

http://edithohaja.com/god-will-see-you-through-today/

GOD'S LOVE FOR YOU IS NOT FOR A SEASON, IT IS FOREVER!

Human relationships are often fragile. You've probably heard stories like these: A young woman got pregnant out of wedlock and she was disowned by her family. A boy insisted on becoming an artist and his parents cut ties with him. They stopped paying for his education. They felt disappointed because his chosen field was not among the ones they considered prestigious professions. A woman found out that her best friend had revealed a family secret she told her in confidence and she cut the offending lady off. 

In each of these cases, the people who shut their hearts to others would likely have professed much love to them in the past. But when certain events took place, they considered them enough justification to withdraw their love. Human love constantly finds extenuating circumstances to shrivel and die. Not so the love of God!

The love of God for you is beyond comprehension (Ephesians 3:19). It does not depend on your record of goodness or your spotlessness. Even when you're covered in filth, it will find you and will hose you off if you let it.

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8 

You see, God's love for you predates your birth. And it will never end. 

"The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." - Jeremiah 31:3

So, no matter where you are now or what you might be going through, know that God still loves you very much and will always do. You mean so much to Him and He wants the best for you. To ensure that the enemy does not mess up your life, He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for you.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13 

Stop despising yourself. Know that the Creator of the Universe loves you, not just for a bit of time but for all time. Embrace His love today and everyday by making Jesus your Lord and Saviour and living to glorify God. Never forget that He is always with you and for you. And that is because His love for you is not just for a season, it is forever. Halleluia!

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The scriptures used in this post are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

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GOD KNOWS YOU BY NAME

Many of us have a view of God as this magnificent being in the heavens, pure and far removed from the earth, sordid as it is. Yes, God is magnificent, He dwells in the heavens and He is pure. But He is also everywhere and He is with each of us, His children, because He chooses to be.

God is near us, He is with us, and He knows every detail of our lives. One of the first signs that someone knows another is if they know his or her name. Well, believe it, my dear: God knows your name. He knows your first name and your surname. He even knows your middle name and your nickname (if you have any of those).

Friend, you're not a stranger to God. He knows you by name. That also means He will not forget you when He is sharing blessings to His children. We just came out of the Christmas season. Gifts were packaged and labelled in families so that each person could identify the gift/s specially chosen for Him or her.

That is how God specially prepares what He has for you and puts your name on it. Don't fret if things seem slow or scattered. God Has plotted your path and has placed what you need at appropriate points along the way. Each package has your name on it and will serve just the right purpose in your life.

See yourself like Moses to whom God made the following statement:

"... I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name." - Exodus 33:17 

Moses had begged God to go with the children of Israel as they travelled to the promised land although they had been repeatedly disobedient to His commands. And God said He would do it because Moses had found favour in His sight and He knew him by name.

How do we find favour in God's sight today and ensure that He acknowledges us by name? By receiving His Son, Jesus, of whom He declared during His time on earth:

"Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." - Mark 1:11

Receiving Jesus makes us children of God.

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name"- John 1:12.

Then God our Father will know and call us by name and answer when we call on Him.

Amen in Jesus' name.

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The scriptures used in this post are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.
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If you have not accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, pray this short prayer:

PRAYER FOR SALVATION:
Almighty God, I repent of my sins and ask you to forgive me. I receive the work Jesus did for me by shedding His blood for my sins. Write my name in the Lamb's Book of Life and send your Spirit to live in my heart and teach me your word. I receive the grace to live a life that honours you henceforth in Jesus' name. Amen.

Now, you are born again. Join a Bible-believing group of believers to help you learn, through studying the word of God and prayer, how to live and practise your faith. You are blessed in Jesus' name.

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You may also like these posts about God's goodness and faithfulness:

http://edithohaja.com/choose-enjoy-infinite-goodness-god/

http://edithohaja.com/the-anchor-holds/

http://edithohaja.com/12-quotes-on-gods-faithfulness/

GOD CAN STABILISE YOUR LIFE

Instability, constantly changing scenarios, a kaleidoscope of experiences - this is what life is like for many people. There is nothing they can be sure of. Good things are here one moment, gone the next. A seemingly perfect marriage ends in bitter separation and court battles, a business that was about picking up sinks due to unforeseen factors, one health challenge is replaced by another with tiny reprieves in between.

This is the life that sin in the Garden of Eden plunged humanity into. It wasn't meant to be so at first. But we can have some assurance in life when we come to the One who created all things and they were certified good.

"And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good ..." - Genesis 1:31.

We call Him the Rock of Ages because nothing can move Him and the Bible says the same of the world we live in.

"Tremble before him, all the earth! The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved." - 1 Chronicles 16:30 (NIV)

He can bring the same stability to our lives and give us an immutable testimony. We have clear promises in His word on this:

"They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever." - Psalm 125:1

Contemporary English translations say they shall not be "moved" or "shaken". 

"The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms ..." - Deuteronomy 33:27

The arms referred to above are God's. Visualise Him holding you and tell me what can toss you about. 

"1. Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.

6. Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. 

7. He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord." - Psalm 112:1, 6-7 

Faith in God is a source of confidence in life. Like Job, we have a hedge about our lives and are not open to every vicissitude.

"Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land." - Job 1:10 

I want to add this scripture from the most popular psalm in the Bible:

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." - Psalm 23:6 (KJV) [emphasis mine]

Some people say Old Testament scriptures don't apply to us today. I say they do because God has not changed and His word abides forever. Our circumstances are not different from those of the Israelites. When we accept God through Jesus, we become Abraham's children entitled to the same promises and blessings.

"89. For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven. 90. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. 91. They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants." - Psalm 119:89-91

"26. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." - Galatians 3:26-29  

We need not live our lives like yo-yos. We can enjoy stability: stability in our faith, in our health, in material blessings, in fruitfulness and success. As Isaiah 37:31 says, God's people whom He has delivered (in this context you and I that are saved) shall "take root downward, and bear fruit upward", not for a season but all through the rest of our days. 

Let us appropriate this in prayer by refusing the contrary and agreeing with God's word in every circumstance. God shall uphold His word in our lives to the glory of His name. But this does not mean that trials shall not come. If indeed they are trials sent by God, He will grant us the grace to endure. Otherwise, everything in our lives that opposes the will and good purpose of God should be made to bow to the name of Jesus. 

We need a stable life, especially in our faith. We can't keep moving from sin to sin with little or no fruit of the Spirit in our lives when we have been saved. We should agree with God on this and He will make it happen, not only with respect to our spiritual walk but in every other area of our lives as well. 

Amen in Jesus' name.

If you have not accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, pray this short prayer:

PRAYER FOR SALVATION

Almighty God, I repent of my sins and ask you to forgive me. I receive the work Jesus did for me by shedding His blood for my sins. Write my name in the Lamb's Book of Life and send your Spirit to live in my heart and teach me your word. I receive the grace to live a life that honours you henceforth in Jesus' name. Amen.

Now, you are born again. Join a Bible-bleleving group of believers to help you learn, through studying the word of God and prayer, how to live and practise your faith. You are blessed in Jesus' name. 

You may also like these popular encouraging posts:

http://edithohaja.com/the-anchor-holds/

http://edithohaja.com/gods-word-never-fails/

http://edithohaja.com/you-will-ascend-to-your-throne-of-glory/

TROUBLE DOES NOT LAST FOREVER, BUT GOD DOES

When difficulties surround one, they have a way of getting worse and seeming insurmountable. A sickness may bring complications, low wages may translate to unemployment and a bad marriage may lead to separation or divorce. It is at such times that one is tempted to ask, "Where is God?"

If you're going through any such negative cycle, I want you to remember this: Trouble does not last forever, but God does. When the enemy starts an evil project, he boasts and may seem to be very successful. Don't be dismayed because eventually, God will step in and crush him. 

Remember how ISIL overran territories in different nations just lately claiming it would build the ultimate Islamic State. It meted out brutality and was so sure nothing could stop it. Now, it barely exists in one or two pockets, surrounded and bombarded. 

In your personal life, hold on to God and put your confidence in His word. Don't lose courage because of the threatenings of the enemy. This was what the prophet Isaiah told Ahaz, king of Judah, who was panicking because of his desperate situation. Pekah son of Remaliah (the king of Israel) and Rezin (the king of Aram) were planning to conquer Judah and install a puppet in his place.

"3. Then said the Lord unto Isaiah, Go forth now to meet Ahaz, ...

4. And say unto him, Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither be fainthearted for the two tails of these smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin with Syria, and of the son of Remaliah.

5. Because Syria, Ephraim, and the son of Remaliah, have taken evil counsel against thee, saying,

6. Let us go up against Judah, and vex it, and let us make a breach therein for us, and set a king in the midst of it, even the son of Tabeal:

7. Thus saith the Lord God, It shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass." - Isaiah 7:3-7 

When the Lord brings you relief, it shall be like what Isaiah prophesied to the children of Israel. 

"18. In your heart, you will ponder the former terror: 'Where is that chief officer? Where is the one who took the revenue? Where is the officer in charge of the towers?'

19. You will see those arrogant people no more, those people of an obscure speech, with their strange incomprehensible tongue." - Isaiah 33:18-19 (NIV)

Many of us have no idea how terrifying it is to live under a foreign power. The taxes are crippling, rights trampled on. The Israelites knew this firsthand but Isaiah was telling them they will look for their oppressors and not find them. Moses had said the same thing to the Israelites when they left Egypt and were hotly pursued by Pharaoh and his army.

"And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever." - Exodus 14:13 

God has won the victory for us in our Lord Jesus. We should, therefore, stand firm no matter what we see. Every power and situation on earth is subject to the name of Jesus. And although they may strut about for a while, they will finally bow to Him.

"He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him." - Colossians 2:15

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." - John 16:33 

"9. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." - Philippians 2:9-11 

Continue to speak to that situation in the name of Jesus and you might just find yourself asking shortly:

"Where is the pain? Where are my debts? Where is the shame? Where did the sleeplessness and fear go?"

I pray that it won't be long before this happens in your life in Jesus' name. Amen.

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The scriptures used in this post are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible except where otherwise stated.

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http://edithohaja.com/our-god-able-save-us-sovereign/

http://edithohaja.com/god-will-see-you-through-today/

WE WERE LIKE THEM THAT DREAM

"1. When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. 2. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among tvhhe heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them. 3. The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad." - Psalm 126:1-3 

This scripture was the testimony of the Israelites who had been carried away captive to Babylon when the Lord brought them back to their homeland. They could hardly believe that they were finally home and were overwhelmed with joy.

But captivity is not only when people are forced into exile. One can be captive to sin, sickness, indebtedness, abuse (toxic relationships), etc. The condition may be so bad the victim hardly sees any room for escape. But if you're a child of God caught in any debilitating situation, the same God who set the Israelites free from bondage in Babylon and brought them home can make you taste freedom again. 

He can defeat the stranglehold of sin in your life. He can help you sleep peacefully again though your body has been tortured by pain. He can bring you out of debt into having enough and surplus. He can keep you safe from the abuser who has been tormenting you. Whatever, the case, God Almighty can handle it. 

This is why He sent His dear Son, Jesus, to pay for your freedom through His death on the cross. The problem may have been in your family for ages but Jesus has fully paid to end it.

"18. Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19. But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" - 1 Peter 1:18-19. 

Believe that God has taken care of the problem through our Lord Jesus and that you will soon testify like the Israelites:

"1. When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.  2. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy ..."  - Psalm 126:1 & 2 (ESV)

Amen in Jesus' name.

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The scriptures used in this post are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible except where otherwise stated.

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http://edithohaja.com/bring-it-on-jehovah-can-take-it/

http://edithohaja.com/a-brand-snatched-from-the-fire/

http://auntyedith.blogspot.com.ng/2017/12/keep-praying-god-is-hearing-you.html?m=0

KEEP PRAYING (God is hearing you)

There are times when we ask ourselves the point in praying any more when we haven't seen the results from our previous petitions. It can be discouraging when we have believed God for many years for the salvation of loved ones, healing or provision, etc. and nothing seems to be happening.

Our situations may not be pleasing but we shouldn't doubt the faithfulness of God because of them. God sometimes takes time to respond to our petitions and even when He does, the answer may not be exactly what we asked for. But we can be assured that whatever He does for us is the very best whether it seems so or not.

"O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come." -  Psalm 65:2

Besides, that we are not aware of the answer does not mean that God has not done anything. I once read of a woman who was praying for her wayward daughter and worrying that God wasn't responding, not knowing that the Spirit of God had convicted her daughter where she was drinking in a bar in a distant city and she was in the process of turning her life around. 

Do you know that some people go home to be with the Lord before the answer to their prayers manifest? Abraham and the other patriarchs, for example, were gone for centuries before their descendants took possession of Canaan, their land of promise. 

"These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." - Hebrews 11:13 

God knows when and how best to deliver the answer to our petitions. Remember David's anguished cries to God because of Saul's pursuit to kill him?

"1. O LORD my God, in you do I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers and deliver me,  

6. Arise, O LORD, in your anger; lift yourself up against the fury of my enemies; awake for me; you have appointed a judgment."  - Psalm 7:1 & 6 (ESV)

David prayed for the destruction of His enemies, and who was a greater enemy than King Saul who was hunting him down with an army? Yet whenever Saul fell into David's hands, he spared him. (I Samuel chapters 24 & 26) And when eventually Saul died in battle, David mourned him profusely as shown in the verses below taken from 2 Samuel, chapter 1.

"19. The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!

21. Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew, neither let there be rain, upon you, nor fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, as though he had not been anointed with oil.

22. From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty.

23. Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. 

24. Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel.

27. How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!"

That is the kind of heart David had. He really didn't want Saul to be destroyed, he just wanted to be safe. I'm tempted to think that God delayed judgment on Saul because of David's love and respect for him. Sounds weird, doesn't it? But these are the kind of complicated calls God makes when he answers prayer. He takes into account what our mouths are saying and the often discordant tunes from our hearts. Eventually, He does what will be for the ultimate good of everyone involved.

So do not give up, child of God! Maintain your right standing with God and keep praying. God is surely hearing you and in His due season, the answer will manifest.

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The scriptures used in this post are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible except where otherwise stated.

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(Those I'm calling children of God are those who have accepted Jesus as their Saviour and Lord.

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name" - John 1:12 

Ask Him into your heart today and become a partaker of the assurances in this post and in the Bible. God bless you richly as you do that in Jesus' name.

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http://edithohaja.com/12-quotes-on-gods-faithfulness/

GOD IS OUR PROVIDER

There is a beautiful verse in the Bible that brings a smile to my face whenever I remember it. It is Psalm 68:19.

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation."

We have needs, all kinds of needs. Sometimes, our earnings are not enough to meet these needs. We may feel harassed and overwhelmed. We may feel desperate. But let us remember we have a Father who cares for us. Let us lay those needs before Him as He has asked us to in His word and believe that He will meet them for us.

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." - Philippians 4:6

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." - 1 Peter 5:7 

"... my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19

King David understood God's role as our provider so well he wrote a special song about it. The first verse says:

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." - Psalm 23:1 

David knew the special relationship between a shepherd and his sheep. He knew the shepherd will go to any length to find good pasture for his sheep. He himself was such a shepherd and because he had that sort of heart, God appointed him the shepherd of His people.

"He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds: From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance. So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands." - Psalm 78:70-72

If David, a mere man, could get such a commendation from God for how he cared for Israel, how much more will God care for us, the apple of His eye? This position is clearly stated in these words of the Lord Jesus.

"7. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 
8. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 
9. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 
10. Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 
11. If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" - Matthew 7:7-11 (emphasis mine)

To ensure that the devil does not claim rights over you and frustrate your blessings, make Jesus your Lord and Saviour today. That way, you can confidently call God Father and enjoy His gracious provision. 

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name" - John 1:12.

PRAYER:
Almighty God, I put my trust in You. You are my Jehovah Jireh. Provide for me according to the promise of Your word. Open doors of favour to me. May I not live my life in debt and destitution. And as you bless me, dear Lord, help me to always remember to extend the same kindness to others. This I pray in Jesus' name.

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The scriptures used in this post are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.
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GIVING BRINGS UNPARALLELED JOY!

I can't count how many times I've felt like I was on cloud nine, just singing one song after another and dancing. You might feel I must have received a windfall. On the contrary, I'd just blessed someone and the joy was like God overshadowing me with His presence as a result. Remember what the Bible says, "... in thy presence, there is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." (Psalm 16:11)

No wonder the Lord Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." - Acts 20:35 There are many more benefits from giving, like receiving and having our prayers answered. These scriptures show some of them.

"God loveth a cheerful giver." - 2 Corinthians 9:7

"Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days." - Ecclesiastes 11:1 

"Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness." - Psalm 41:1-3

But the benefit that thrills me most is the opening of the fountain of joy within us. Do you want to be happy like you've never been before? Do something nice for someone today, especially for a person who is very needy and who likely can't pay you back, ever. 

I know that God loves us all unconditionally. But if you want to have a strong witness of it, if you want to live with that conviction everyday, the conviction that God is excited about you, lend a helping to the destitute today. And do it again and again till it becomes your lifestyle. And your joy will know no bounds. Amen in Jesus' name.

All scriptures used in this post are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

You may also like these posts about giving and joy:

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http://edithohaja.com/3-benefits-of-walking-in-joy/

You are blessed in Jesus' name.